Alyn Smith MEP has publicly reiterated his backing to 'End the Cage Age' for farmed rabbits, citing deep animal welfare concerns. MEPs voted in Strasbourg today 410 to 205 to demand a new law to protect the animals.

It has been a busy week. The big news is the Scottish Government has published a consultation on a draft Independence Referendum Bill.

This does not mean there will be another IndyRef, there is a long way to go yet, but if there is another it will not be because the result of the 2014 referendum has not been respected – it will be because the promises made to Scotland have not been kept.

The SNP Manifesto clearly stated that another IndyRef could be called “if there is a significant and material change in the circumstances that prevailed in 2014, such as Scotland being taken out of the EU against our will.” It doesn't get more clear cut than that and, unlike the Tories who committed to the single market in their 2015 general election manifesto, we will stand by our promises.http://www.snp.org/draft_independence_referendum_bill_here_s_what_it_means

In Brussels I have been busy meeting ministers from our Government and elsewhere in Europe. These have been productive and together we are building the good will needed across the EU. This groundwork is going to be essential for whatever happens next.

Elsewhere CETA got into even more difficulties, the EU's accounts were signed off again, and as an honorary vet I am deeply concerned about the potential impact of Brexit on animal welfare.

Alyn Smith, SNP Member of the European Parliament, today emphasised that Scotland welcomes EU veterinary surgeons.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) wrote to the Prime Minister emphasising their concern that “the ongoing uncertainty for non-British EU citizens, could seriously impact the veterinary profession’s ability to fulfil its essential roles.”

Scottish MEP and Honorary Vice President of the Scottish SPCA Alyn Smith has today backed a report from the British Veterinary Association (BVA) outlining key animal welfare areas that must be protected in the Brexit negotiation, and vowed to protect and defend existing animal welfare rules.

Alyn Smith MEP, honorary member of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed outgoing BVA President Sean Wensley’s comments on Scotland’s leadership in many areas of animal welfare, and highlighted the BVA warning that Brexit may put this progress at risk.

Campaigners against live exports for slaughter have received a huge boost as Scotland’s sole voice on the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, Alyn Smith MEP, gave his backing to their campaign.